The Initial Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon: What to Expect

For individuals who are either considering a cosmetic procedure or anxiously awaiting a scheduled visit to meet with their plastic surgeon, there can be many unknowns. At Boynton Plastic Surgery, we want to ensure you are prepared each step of the way on your cosmetic enhancement journey for the best possible experience. Below, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, James F. Boynton, MD, outlines what to expect for the initial consultation process, which may take place in-person or virtually using the Zoom video platform.

Prior to the Appointment

Our friendly patient coordinator will be in touch with you ahead of your appointment to review preliminary details and forms that can be completed prior to the meeting, as well as inform you about parking and confirm location details. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you to the appointment; however, we respectfully request that you secure childcare during the consultation. Generally, you can expect the initial consultation to last approximately one hour.

The initial consultation is an ideal place to ask your questions in real time. We highly recommend making a list of topics and questions you would like to discuss with our surgeon. Through these conversations, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more details about Dr. Boynton’s experience, board certification, and preferred surgical techniques, as well as any risks or potential complications associated with the chosen procedure and recovery expectations, among other information. If you are unsure of which questions to ask, we welcome you to reference Dr. Boynton’s list of questions to ask your potential plastic surgeon to help guide you in the discussion.

What to Bring (and How to Prepare)

• A concise medical history and current medication list (including supplements).
• Previous procedure notes or operative reports (if applicable).
• Goal photos that represent the look you’re hoping to achieve.
• A short list of top priorities—the one or two outcomes that matter most to you.
• Lifestyle details that may affect recovery (work demands, travel plans, childcare, exercise).

These items help Dr. Boynton tailor recommendations and give you a realistic timeline for healing and results.

The Day of the Appointment

Upon check-in for your scheduled in-person consultation, you will meet with one of our expert patient coordinators to confirm we have all of the correct information. We can also share an extensive gallery of Dr. Boynton’s plastic surgery before-and-after photos to show you the results of other patients who have had similar procedures and help you envision goals for your own aesthetic outcome. Depending on the procedure, you may be asked to change into office-provided garments for your evaluation.

If Your Visit Is Virtual (Zoom)

Virtual consultations mirror the in-office experience as closely as possible. Our team can help guide you on camera placement, lighting, and other aspects of the virtual consultation so Dr. Boynton can assess proportions accurately. We’ll also coordinate the next steps for your in-person exam after your video visit.

The Individual Consultation

Next, you will meet with Dr. Boynton to discuss all of your cosmetic concerns, goals, and questions, as well as complete a physical evaluation. During this time, we will take photos and you and Dr. Boynton will have a collaborative dialogue about the best way to attain a natural-looking enhancement with realistic expectations.

What makes this stage so valuable is the back-and-forth with our plastic surgeon: you’ll review your anatomy together, explore how different techniques affect shape and proportion, and learn what is (and isn’t) appropriate based on skin quality, tissue characteristics, and overall health. Dr. Boynton’s focus is to recommend a plan that optimizes safety while aiming for balanced, natural results (never a “one-size-fits-all” approach).

Next Steps

From there, Dr. Boynton will explain your surgical options and determine a recommended treatment plan based on your goals and medical/health history. Your dedicated patient coordinator will then review your options with you and provide an individualized cost estimate. If you’re ready to schedule your surgery we can assist with next steps, or you may take the information home to make a final decision. Dr. Boynton employs the state-of-the-art TouchMD system for clear communication, anatomical imagery, patient education resources, and more to utilize beyond the initial consultation.

Understanding Your Timeline

• Pre-op Planning: Lab work or medical clearances (if needed), garment fittings, and imaging.
• Surgery Date Selection: Coordinated with your calendar, recovery needs, and support system.
• Recovery Windows: We’ll outline when you should be able to return to work, exercise, and events, as well as how to protect your results during healing.

Safety & Candidacy

A thorough consultation also ensures you’re a good candidate for your chosen procedure. In certain cases, Dr. Boynton may recommend optimizing health factors (e.g., stabilizing weight, adjusting medications, or addressing skin quality) before surgery. This extra diligence can support smoother recoveries and long-term results.

Cost, Financing, and Value

During your meeting with our patient coordinator, you’ll receive a clear cost breakdown covering the surgeon’s fee, facility or office fees (if applicable), anesthesia, post-operative garments/appointments, and other components. Our team can discuss payment options and plastic surgery financing partners for qualified applicants. While price is an important consideration, we encourage patients to weigh training, board certification, experience, and previous outcomes when choosing a surgeon. These are factors that can strongly influence safety and satisfaction.

What Makes a Quality Consultation?

A great consultation leaves you feeling informed, listened to, and confident in the treatment plan. You should come away with:

• A personalized treatment roadmap (including alternatives, if appropriate).
• An honest discussion of benefits, limitations, and risks.
• A realistic understanding of downtime and final results.
• Ample opportunity to ask questions with no rushed answers.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Boynton

As a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Boynton has extensive training and a practice devoted to comprehensive aesthetic surgery options, including facial plastic surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring. Additionally, Dr. Boynton employs advanced techniques with certain procedures, such as the in-office facelift and the in-office power-assisted lipocontouring procedure, that can make the treatment and recovery process more convenient for our patients. He is also an active member of leading professional plastic surgery societies and he continually refines his techniques through ongoing education and collaboration. Many of our patients appreciate his meticulous attention to detail, results that prioritize natural-looking harmony, and a caring, safety-first philosophy that extends from consultation through every follow-up visit.

If you have further questions about the consultation process, or if you are ready to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Boynton, please contact our office today. We look forward to seeing you!